In 2010, youth members of POWER began advocating for free bus passes so that low-income youth like themselves could get to school — but they weren’t sure how to proceed. Thinking proactively, POWER turned to DataCenter to determine what information needed to be gathered, and which research methods would be most impactful and efficient. DataCenter provided crucial support for the design and analysis of the rider survey, as well as backing up key findings with secondary research. Two and a half years and seven hundred surveys later, San Francisco youth are one step closer to achieving free bus passes.

“The cost of the bus is very high. I cannot afford the Fast Pass at this cost. This affects my work, my children’s participation in after-school or summer programs, or our medical appointments. If you look, it affects everything. I have to buy less food for my family, not vegetables or not fruit, because we need to get to our work or school.”

—Delia Sanchez, who rides the 52-Excelsior line

Read the full report (pdf) and learn how transit solutions that benefit youth, elders, communities of color and immigrant communities can best serve the city as a whole, fueling economic development and contributing to a healthier planet for all.